ABH DECIDES 2025: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ANIMASHAUN DEBORAH AAYOOLUWA, FEMALE AFFAIRS MINISTER ASPIRANT

The elections are just around the corner, and aspirants are gearing up for the decisive day—one that will determine who emerges victorious and who steps aside. As always, only one candidate will claim each office, leaving others in the wake of the outcome. Will it come down to popularity or proven dedication? That’s a decision only Brownites can make.

In this feature, we speak with Animashaun Deborah Aayooluwa, an aspirant for the position of Female Affairs Minister, as she shares her vision and aspirations for the role.

Can you Introduce yourself, please?

I am Animashaun Deborah Aayooluwa. A fourth year Biomedical Laboratory Science student and I’m aspiring for the office of Female Affairs Minister of Alexander Brown Hall.

Are there any hobbies or fun facts about you?

I love reading. Not school book but fictions novels and I love singing. Fun fact about me is a bit weird- I love the smell of petrol.

Is this your first time being involved in school politics and what was your experience?

No, this is not the first time. When I was in 300L, I was the Treasurer for my department’s association. It was a nice experience. It was my first time and there were a lot of things I was just learning because if you’re looking from a point of view of a normal Nimelssite, you will always wonder why things are done in a certain way but being in that position taught me that we should not always judge your leaders or treat them harshly because there’s a lot of things going on behind the scene.

Why did you choose female Affairs Ministry as your debut in ABH politics?

When I crossed over to Alexander Brown Hall, I discovered there’s a particular position designated to women alone and I was impressed. As someone that is passionate about women’s welfare, I felt this is a position that is best for me and this is where I will really function well.

Does your passion for women’s welfare mean you’re a feminist?

No, it’s just natural love for women.  It’s not a feminist thing.

You’ve served before as an honourable member of the ABH Assembly, are there any skills or qualities you’ve picked up while serving as an Honourable and how do you think they’ll shape your leadership style if elected?

I’m currently serving as an honourable member of the ABH Assembly. I’ve picked up a lot of things. One of the things I would say I picked up is leadership skill, not really picked up but I have improved on my leadership skill because you have to become a floor rep before you can be a member of the House. Being the floor rep, I was able to build communication skills and improve on my interpersonal relationships with my floor members which I believe is important if elected as the Female Affairs Minister. This will help in communicating issues affecting females to the appropriate quarters for prompt action.

Which organizations are you presently in and what were your roles?

I’m a member of JCIN UCH and also a member of Red Cross UCH. I’m the current Treasurer for JCI but I just got inducted last year into Red Cross, so I do not hold any position.

Can you highlight the duties of the Female Affairs Ministry?

According to the constitution, the Female Affairs Minister is in charge of: The welfare of the female Brownites. The maintenance of the hall property in the female section of the hall. The Health and sanitation of the female section of the hall and is expected to present an account of stewardship to the House at the end of the tenure. Lastly, is expected to carry out any other task assigned as deemed fit by the executives.

What committees have you served with within the ABH Community?

I’m a member of the Female affairs, Maintenance, Publicity, Health and sanitation, Price and quality control committees.

Have you ever worked with the female affairs Ministry before and how so?

Yes. I’m currently a member of the Female Affairs Committee and I’ve also worked with the Female Affairs Minister.

Can you highlight the achievements made so far by the current tenure and how you intend to improve on them if elected?

The current Female Affairs Minister did a lot of events which were quite new. There was Yoga with girlies, ABH ladies night, and ABH ladies pajamas night. These events brought the ladies together even though there were low turnouts in the events.

Are there drawbacks or areas of unaddressed needs you’ve noted with the current tenure and how do you intend on addressing them? 

The current executive council was not at their best with good communication with Brownites even though they are working in favour of Brownites.

Despite efforts, participation of female Brownites  in the activities of female affairs ministry still remain low, how do you plan on inspiring better female Brownites’ participation?

I plan to make them feel more inclusive. The male counterparts have more activities that bring them together unlike the female counterpart. I plan to organize a monthly game session, also things like food hunt, neatest block of the month. This is to keep the ministry active.

There’s another candidate vying for the same post, what would you say gives you an edge and makes you better suited for the post?

I have served in various committees within the hall and in various organizations which has equipped me for this position.

Can you tell me, what are the peculiar needs of every female Brownite?

From my interactions with the females in the hall, the feedback I got is that they need a better living condition which includes water and light.

Does your campaign have a slogan yet and what’s the inspiration behind it?

No, it does not have a slogan. Just Deborah 4 FAM

Final words for female Brownites especially.

Female Brownies deserve the best leadership and a leader that listens and communicate better with them. Vote for Deborah for Female Affairs Minister.